DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee — who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve including volunteering again after 9/11 — released the following statement in advance of Sunday’s 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: 

“It has been 21 years since a deadly attack on our soil took 2,977 lives, and changed our nation forever. As we continue to mourn the victims and their families, we must also never forget the first responders whose actions saved countless lives on that tragic day. These heroes – along with selfless servicemembers who fought and gave their lives in the Global War on Terrorism – deserve our unwavering gratitude and support. 

“In the more than two decades since this horrible tragedy, threats to our country have continued to evolve and become increasingly complex. As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I remain committed to ensuring that the federal government has the tools and resources needed to fight back against those who seek to harm our nation. This means making sure our national security agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, are prepared to not only address foreign terrorism, but also the rising threat of domestic terrorism that is often fueled by white nationalist and anti-government ideologies. 

“In the days following September 11^th, I will never forget how the American people came together to unite against a common enemy. Whether it is protecting against threats to our democracy, or combatting violence inspired by hateful ideologies, we all must recommit ourselves to the idea that by working together, we can overcome any challenge.” 

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